Tuesday, 17th April Dieppe to Rouen

DISTANCE: 79 k/49 mi

Got up early at 6 am, packed my panniers and placed them on my bike. Breakfast was sausage, scrambled eggs, and toast and marmalade. I left for the ferry, but had to wait as the swing bridge opened to let a sea-going vessel through. No problems with the ferry.

On arrival in Dieppe, the signage routed me south of the town and I had to work back to my intended route. I also missed a turn in Rouxmesnil Bouteilles and had to cut across to the valley of the Scie. I had my pic-nic lunch just after finding my route to the Scie valley. In Auffay I bought a 50 unit Télécarte with which to phone Jenny. In Clèirs the D6 was closed, so I had to work round via a longer route. I got to Rouen station just before 6 pm. I tried one cheap hotel, but they did not have a place for my bike. I then tried the “Hôtel des Familles” with success, but had to wait a few minutes while Madame prepared the room. The room was simple, but pleasant. Madame also gave me a tourist map of the city.

I went out just before 7 pm to look for a restaurant, but nothing suitable was open near the station. Eventually I walked into the city and found a very good, but not too expensive restaurant, “La Mirabelle,” specialising in fish dishes. Dinner was a Crusty Pancake with Squid, Shrimps, Onions Chives, Leeks and a light butter sauce; followed by Brochette of White Fish with Red Peppers, Onions and Boiled Potatoes. My choice of desert was Tarte Tatin - an up-side-down apple tart with a drizzle of honey and soured cream to add - delicious! I drank orange juice, water, and mint tea to finish. I had vowed not to drink alcohol for two months, starting mid March, and until I got to Santiago. I am also off caffeine (coffee, tea and chocolate) and wine, by doctors orders!

After dinner I walked down the rue de Gros Horlogue and saw the West front of the cathedral. I phoned Jenny from the station. When I got back to the hotel, Madame allowed me to place my bike in an unoccupied downstairs bedroom.

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